How to ask your GP for help for referral for psychologist.

[LJpd81]

Hi I am new here. For a while now I have had feelings of being sad and depressed,crying and drinking too much. Something is wrong with me. I feel I need to talk to someone. I usually talk to my best friend. She has her own issues at the moment and I don't want to burden my husband or family or worry them. Was thinking of asking my doctor for a referral for a psychologist. She does healthcare plans there. I feel very nervous to ask in case she thinks I am being dramatic, silly or not sad enough.

How should I ask my doctor please? What do I say? I find this more nerve racking than telling her my medical issues.

Thanks very much.

[Gabs_]

How are you feeling today? Although you had a bad day yesterday, I'm glad you are recognising that the alcohol doesn't help. That's a positive sign that you are aware of it.

So glad you spoke to your husband - you don't have to go through this alone and the more support you have, the better. You have taken so many positive steps this week.

It's also great that you took the days off. Please try and be kind to yourself and listen to what your body needs - be it a walk or an afternoon nap.

Tomorrow is Monday - you're almost through the weekend and are going to get that call tomorrow. Remember to breathe. You're almost there.

[LJpd81]

Thanks everyone for being nice and helpful.

Today I am feeling much the same. I am so glad I have a sick day today. Today I am taking it easy and rest up. I am aiming to get a good night sleep tonight ready for a big day of work tomorrow for a 6am start.

I went to bed at 5am and stayed up drinking. What is wrong with me.

I am looking forward to getting the call tomorrow. I am also super nervous too. I will have to wait until after 2pm to hear from her due to work. So hopefully I can hold it together tomorrow at work and put on my happy face.

[UltimaMic]

Just curious you mentioned having to go to work feeling the way you are which is really difficult because I have been in the same spot. I can only state it would be great to have a meeting with you manager or HR to raise the issues you are facing at the moment in regards to your mental health. Hopefully they can be understanding and maybe make adjustments to your workload why you get therapy sorted out. If you did decide to approach your employer there are resources on the site on how to best approach your employer about reveling mental health challenges you are facing.

Are you drinking because u want to distract your brain and its ruminating thoughts? I ask because I also have challenges with ruminating thoughts... to stop these I listen to audio books or watch a comedy series on my computer. Some people go for walks or do exercise - these can be better ways to "get out of our heads".

Do not be nervous about the call from the psych they only want to help you recover and be your best self. Be patient with yourself - this is the hardest thing someone with mental health challenges needs to understand.

[LJpd81]

Hi I'm unsure about telling work. Unless it affected my performance. But I can barely concentrate. Mtbheart and rate are a billion miles an hour.

I'm glad to be wearing a mask so customers and staff can't see my facial expression. I feel I am about to lose it and I have to make it to 3pm.

I could hardly sleep last night. I'm so anxious.

I drink cause I like the tasty and itbmakds me calm yet sad.

Also can I expect with my phone call from the psychologist? Will she ask me questions? What sort of questions? I'm so anxious.

[UltimaMic]

Yes it sounds like you are really anxious - please do not stress about the psyc appointment - they are not their to judge you, they are there to help you understand yourself and guide you to a healthier way of thinking about yourself and the world. Look forward to the visit and share those things that you are worried about. There are many on this website who have faced this uncontrollable anxiety so please know you are not alone in this.

You are on the path to a better self - psyc visits and perhaps medication through a GP which can control our racing thoughts - I know I need medication otherwise my mind starts to race about so many things.

If you can try to find something else instead of alcohol - its a maladaptive coping strategy. I know as I loved to lose my mind in other maladaptive things like online gaming etc but this in the long term is not helpful. Thats why i suggested audio books or comedy series - do you like comedy tv? Its good just to have a laugh ... you tube can also be good.

Anyways do not stress with the appointment - let the psyc guide the conversation if you feel uncomfortable. Just try to describe how you feel.

[Sophie_M]

Hi LJpd81, 

We are really sorry to hear that you are feeling this way at the moment, it is so hard when anxiety starts to impact our sleep and our work. It is great that you have a plan to speak to a psychologist, this is a great way to take the first step towards feeling better. It can be challenging talking about our mental health with a professional, but please know that they are here to support you and they only want you to feel better. The best thing to do is be as honest as you can so they can be as helpful as possible. 

If you want to talk to someone before your appointment you can always call us on 1300 22 4636  and our team can give your advice on what to expect and how to get the most out of your sessions. 

We hope that you can have an ok day at work today, well done for getting out of the house and making it there. We are here for you if you feel you can't cope - you are not alone. 

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[smallwolf]

Makes me sad to hear what is happening to you at work.

That was my problem when I started to see a psychologist. When the day started my heart would beat rapidly as I worried about what was in the inbox that I had to deal with. I won't go on with the consequences of that except to say it also effected they way I viewed myself as well.

Regarding the psychologist... I cannot remember how i felt when I first saw my psychologist (those years ago) except that I remember how it ended. That first session (for me) was/is an intake type session - finding out about me, the situation, and family etc. I would say that was my hardest session only because I did not know what to expect. Fingers crossed, your psychologist will be able to build a good rapport with you and will also find them to be empathic and non-judgemental. I hope it all goes well for you.

[LJpd81]

I feel sick and just want to cry with disappointment and frustration.

So I waited all day for this phone call. Felt sick and super anxious all day. Even in my last break at work I actually was sick. My tummy has been filled with nerves all day and sick.

So work ended. Thankfully in my last 2 hours I was busy. So I had my phone on me all afternoon in case I got the call. So no call, so when I finished at 3pm, I decided to call. My shift got extended an hour.

I rung and he said he'd go check to see if she can talk. Friday she had a sore neck. He came and said she has been sick and has a sore back. I said I'm very anxious and want this sorted. He said she will definitely call tomorrow. I even asked definitely.

I'm bitterly disappointed and upset. Just want to cry. And I'm getting bad vibes. I understand if she's sick. But why be at work and why could she not quickly talk to me. Or why could her receptionist not call me and notify me it would be tomorrow.

I'm wondering if she is any good. And reliable .

I have a doctor's appointment Wednesday. I'm actually wondering if I should ask for a new referral for another psychologist.

[LJpd81]

I have just sent off 2 inquiries to 2 different psychologists in my area that deal with depression, anxiety and alcohol dependence. Well I think on alcohol that is. I figure it can't hurt.

I'm disappointed by todays lack of results. I'm thinking, is the one I have a referral for reliable, compassionate, there for me, not going to judge. I will be telling her everything personal and I am vulnerable and feeling vulnerable. The fact I can't even speak to her to even book an appointment and lack of contact has me feeling uneasy. I feel I should give her the benefit of the doubt. But I'm cranky and unsure i want to tell all to her. I was seriously so upset today and anxious. No doubt I will wait all day tomorrow after work for a call. And I'm sceptical. She might be great. But I don't have much confidence at the moment.

My husband tells me not to stress, it will be ok. He says don't worry. Easy for him to say. But he doesn't understand how anxious I am. I didn't tell him I felt so sick today, I actually was sick. Ahh

[LJpd81]

Last night in bed,I had a very stupid thought. I've never thought this before. But I actually thought about self harming myself. I wondered what it would be like to hurt myself and wondered ways to do it. Not sure that's ok 5o write here.

To make it clear, I would never actually kill myself. I love my family and best friend, and niece's and nephew's so much.

I'm just venting. I don't know if I'd actually harm myself. But on looking up self harming, alcohol dependence is one way of self harming. And I'm definitely doing that! I am drinking and I am well aware my blood pressure soars and I will drink and my doctor is worried about my blood pressure at the moment. I will drink the night before a doctors appointment and I don't care.

My doctor sent me for quite a few tests last week. She is very thorough. Brain xray, breast ultrasound, pelvic ultrasound and I have a cardiologist appointment next month. She is very thorough. Everything is clear but heart not sure. Think cause of family history. I'm prediabetic too and I can't motivate myself to be healthier. I'm either super healthy and lose weight, or I can't motivate myself and eat foods I know are bad for me.

I'm normally so happy and los, but lately I'm really struggling and not coping with anything and trying to put on a make it or break it, positive approach in public and with my family. The only ones who know I am struggling are my husband and best friend. My best friend especially. She is going through a lot herself. Possible breast cancer and bitter custody and domestic thing with ex husband. I have old my family anything with my medical issues or struggles, because they have enough going on at the moment. My dad is having health issues with his heart. Had a stent put in his heart after a heart attack and needs an operation soon on his throat and he had thyroid cancer. So no way I'm telling my parents anyhow.

Thank goodness for this site. Don't need to bottle everything in.

If you've read this far, thank you for listening.